Limato, whose client list at various times was top-heavy with such stars as Kevin Costner, Billy Crystal, Richard Gere, Mel Gibson, Steve Martin, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sharon Stone and Denzel Washington, spent most of his 44-year career at the William Morris Agency and International Creative Management.

Atypically, Limato nurtured genuine friendships with many of the stars he represented.

"Many agents tend to look at talent as a commodity today, to help their own careers," Limato said in a 2005 Variety profile. "I still think of talent as something to be served. If you believe in a client, you stick with them through the ups and downs."

Born July 10, 1936, in Mt. Vernon, N.Y., Edward Frank Limato worked as a disc jockey in Florida and Louisiana and as an assistant to director Franco Zeffirelli in Rome before getting his first job at a talent agency.

He started sorting mail for the Ashley Famous Agency in New York in 1966. It became the International Famous Agency and, later, International Creative Management, and he became an agent. He moved to the West Coast and, in 1978, jumped to the William Morris Agency.

Limato spent 10 years with William Morris, then returned to ICM and rose to president of the agency. After a dispute with company management in 2007, he sued to break his contract and went back to William Morris. Last year, the agency merged with Endeavor.

For many years, Limato's party the Friday night before the Academy Awards was a must-attend event for high-profile stars and film industry figures. As host, he cut a striking figure in his impeccable attire, silver hair and famously bare feet.

His home, built in 1936 and previously owned by Dick Powell and Joan Blondell, then by George Raft, reflected his interest in historic preservation. He served on the board of the Los Angeles Conservancy, as well as American Cinematheque and the Motion Picture and Television Fund.

Survivors include his 99-year-old mother, Angelina; a brother, Paul; and a sister, Angela.

The funeral will be private, but a public memorial service is planned.